VFL Gummersbach

A look at history

The VfL Gummersbach, founded in 1861 as Gummersbacher Turnverein, has established itself as one of the most successful and storied clubs in the world of handball since forming its handball division in 1925. A founding member of the Handball-Bundesliga, the club was the league’s only team to play continuously in the top tier until the 2018/19 season. With 12 national championships, 11 European Cup victories, and 5 domestic cup wins, VfL Gummersbach boasts a remarkable legacy, shaped by legends like Heiner Brand, Hansi Schmidt, and Joachim Deckarm.

However, the club does not rest on its historic laurels. Since 2018, VfL has pursued new sporting and financial goals, with a strong emphasis on youth development. Founded in 2005, the VfL Gummersbach Handball Academy is now the largest of its kind in Germany, successfully nurturing young talents for the Bundesliga.

In the 2023/24 season, VfL once again impressed with strong performances, securing 6th place in the league and qualifying for the EHF European League.

Review of the previous season

The 2023/24 season marked another milestone for VfL Gummersbach on their journey back to the top of German handball. Following their impressive return to the Bundesliga and a 10th-place finish the previous year, coach Gudjon Valur Sigurdsson’s team raised the bar even higher. With passionate handball, tactical finesse, and a cohesive team effort, VfL achieved an outstanding 6th-place finish in the league.

Particularly notable were the team’s performances at home, where the Schwalbe Arena often became an impregnable fortress, and the continued development of young talents, who increasingly made their mark in the Bundesliga. A highlight of the season was securing qualification for the EHF European League, bringing the historic club back to the international stage for the 2024/25 season.

With a clear focus on youth development, a robust infrastructure, and ambitious goals, VfL Gummersbach looks to the future with confidence. The successes of the past season reflect a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, positioning the club strongly for the challenges ahead.